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Mike Vrabel’s ‘big dogs’ message inspires Patriots pass rushers in playoff win over Chargers
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- Mike Vrabel’s ‘big dogs’ message inspires Patriots pass rushers in playoff win over Chargers
FOXBOROUGH — As the Patriots began preparation for a Wild Card game with the Chargers, Mike Vrabel had a message for his two star defensive tackles, Milton Williams and Christian Barmore .
“Our first meeting of the week,” Williams said. “He looked at me and B-more and said, ‘Big dogs show up in January.’ We were hearing it all week.”
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Williams liked what he heard.
“Aight. Talk that (expletive),” Williams said. “I want to hear it. I like when people talk (expletive). It gives me a little extra juice.”
Williams, Barmore and the rest of the Patriots pass rush proceeded to dog Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert all night in a 16-3 win at Gillette Stadium.
Williams finished with a pair of sacks, including a game-clincher, the Patriots hit Herbert 11 times in the backfield. After Williams’ final sack, he was so excited that he headbutted Mike Vrabel, cutting the coach’s lip.
“We talked to them about being willing to spill some blood out there, that the big dogs come out in January,” Vrabel said. “I think Milt took that to heart in the way that he played the game, in the way he finished the game. He came over and got me pretty good. That’s what happens.”
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Vrabel said he was fine and Williams laughed it off, too.
“Man, I was headbutting everybody,” Williams said. “I just forgot Vrabes ain’t have a helmet on. He’ll be all right though. He’s tough.”
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